2026 Free Agency: Mathurin signs with the Pelicans for two years and 16 million
The move to New Orleans represents a significant change for Mathurin, who has prioritized flexibility and the possibility of returning to free agency next summer
Bennedict Mathurin has a new team in the NBA. The shooting guard has reached a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, according to sources reported to ESPN on Wednesday. The contract includes a player option for the second season.
The move represents a significant change for Mathurin, who prioritized flexibility and the possibility of returning to free agency next summer over committing to a longer-term contract. New Orleans had been interested in the player for over a year and has finally managed to incorporate him into their young project.
Mathurin bets on the Pelicans
The player's representatives contacted the Los Angeles Clippers to withdraw their qualifying offer of $8.8 million, allowing Mathurin to seek a situation he considered more favorable.
At 24 years old, the shooting guard has chosen to commit to a relatively short contract. This strategy allows him the chance to become an unrestricted free agent next summer if he decides to exercise that option and then return to the market.
For the Pelicans, the agreement also has an immediate economic advantage: New Orleans remains under the luxury tax this season.
Bennedict Mathurin's contract
| Data | Information |
|---|---|
| Team | New Orleans Pelicans |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Value | $16 million |
| Second season | Player option |
| Age | 24 years |
| Position | Shooting guard |
| Withdrawn qualifying offer | $8.8 million |
| Goal | Maintain flexibility for 2027 |
The Pelicans had been pursuing him for over a year
Mathurin's arrival is not an impulsive operation. The Pelicans had been trying to acquire the player for over a year, considering him an important piece for their young core.
New Orleans sees in the Canadian a scorer capable of generating points both with the ball in his hands and playing off the ball. His numbers from last season support this bet.
Mathurin played 54 games between the Indiana Pacers and the Clippers and set career bests in several categories.
Mathurin comes from his best statistical season
The shooting guard averaged 17.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.8 steals per game during the last campaign, all of which are record numbers in his career.
Additionally, he had a particularly important role as a sixth man. Mathurin averaged 17.5 points per game coming off the bench, the best mark in the entire NBA among players who played at least 20 games as reserves.
His scoring ability is precisely one of the main reasons why New Orleans believes he can become a relevant piece of their project.
From Indiana to the Clippers and now New Orleans
Mathurin was selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 6th pick in the 2022 Draft. During his four seasons in the NBA, he has passed through three franchises after the Clippers acquired him last season in the trade that sent Ivica Zubac to Indiana.
In his four years in the league, the Canadian has played 263 games, averaging 16.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.
Now he will have the opportunity to settle in New Orleans and be part of a project that particularly relies on the development of its young talents.
The deal also represents a personal bet for Mathurin. Instead of accepting a longer contract with a higher total value, he has preferred to maintain control over his future and have the possibility to return to the market next summer.
For the Pelicans, this move allows them to acquire a 24-year-old scorer with NBA experience and room for growth without compromising their long-term financial flexibility. Mathurin will now have the chance to show in New Orleans that he is ready to take the next step in his career.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Agencia Libre 2026: Mathurin firma con los Pelicans por dos años y 16 millones
